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The appeal of remote work is undeniable. It offers flexibility, comfort and autonomy. When managed correctly, it can be wildly efficient for both the employee and the employer, not to mention budget- and climate-friendly. But sometimes a dream scenario as simple as working from home can be a far cry from ideal.
In fact, without a precise roadmap and effective communication, it can become an unmitigated disaster.It’s vital to put in place certain strategies to help avoid potential pitfalls and to ensure nimbleness and efficiency.
At my company, New Level Radio, the option of working from home was available to our team members long before the Covid-19 pandemic made it a necessity. Here are five essential principles that have helped us succeed in navigating the continually evolving landscape of remote team management and how they can help you too.
1. Communication
I truly believe that communication is the cornerstone of all successful remote teams. The phrase “out of sight, out of mind” must be avoided at all costs — both from the employer and the employee. Also, listening and reacting to feedback and suggestions from employees is a prerequisite to a successful working relationship.
Managers must prioritize open lines of communication, making sure that their team feels connected, despite physical distances. It’s easy for employees to feel like they are on an island when working from home, so it’s essential to provide regular check-ins, and not just by email or text. Make sure you are reaching out via video calls, or when possible, try to schedule quarterly in-person visits.
2. Accountability and Expectations
Just like when managing a client, setting clear expectations for remote teams is crucial.
Some employers will go as far as asking for a remote work agreement to serve as a formal contract, outlining the responsibilities and commitments between a remote worker and their employer. While we have not taken this route at my company, we do make sure that what a typical day/week looks like and what needs to be accomplished is spelled out with certainty, ensuring that everyone understands their responsibilities.
Our philosophy emphasizes productivity, forward thinking, collaboration, commitment, and flexibility within reasonable bounds to prevent burnout. This has been a blueprint that has served us well as our employees feel empowered about their work. What’s your company philosophy? How can you use that information to help set expectations and ensure accountability?
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3. Trust
Trust is another crucial component of a remote work environment. Employees need to feel trusted to get their work done and employers need to let that process happen without micromanaging.The great thing about a nimble business with a small team is that results matter and there are not many places to hide if things are not getting done.
At New Level Radio, we are not concerned with hours worked in a day, or even where our employees are working. I get some of my best work done sitting on a patio, beach or at a bar counter.
4. One Size Doesn’t Fit All
Not all remote employees operate the same. You can’t necessarily manage them all with the same style.
Just like when we create customized music programs for our clients, remote teams thrive when management takes a personalized approach. You have to identify and capitalize on their strengths while at the same time helping and guiding them with their weaknesses, which we all have in some form or fashion.
Some team members may need a daily check-in, while others can go days or even close to a week without a call. You will get the best out of your employees if you have a good handle on what they need — or may not need — in order to bring the best out of them and foster an environment where everyone can thrive.
5. Unity and Recognition
Group meetings are just as beneficial to remote teams as individual check-ins and, as mentioned above, if it is at all possible, in-person meetings on a semi-regular basis can be extremely beneficial. When you organize a get-together that gathers the entire team together — whether it’s virtually or face to face — incorporating time to share personal lives, interests and hobbies creates a sense of connection.
Don’t forget to celebrate your team’s achievements. Everybody needs and likes to have their good work highlighted and doing so in front of your entire team makes it all the more satisfying.
In conclusion, mastering the art of remote team management requires a skillful combination of efficient communication, well-defined expectations, personalized strategies, trust and a sense of unity. Yes, it’s a little of both art and science, but the above principles can be important steps to achieving success.
